Telehealth & Rehabilitation Advancing Chronic Condition Research Center
Explore the Telehealth & Rehabilitation Advancing Chronic Condition Research Center
Susan Murphy, ScD, OTR, FAOTA
Dr. Murphy is an occupational therapist by training and Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Division at the University of Michigan. She also is a faculty lead in the Education and Mentoring Group at the Michigan Institute of Clinical and Health Research (MICHR). Her research interests involve developing and translating relevant and effective interventions into practice to optimize management of chronic conditions. She has a particular interest in advancing telehealth and rehabilitation for people with scleroderma and leads the behavioral studies branch of the University of Michigan's Scleroderma Program.
Our Team in the Spotlight!
Spotlight on RENEW: Exploring Fatigue and Resilience in Spondyloarthritis Research
In the latest episode of Spondycast, University of Michigan researcher Susan Murphy, ScD, OTR, discusses the newly launched RENEW Study, a research initiative funded by the Spondylitis Association of America that focuses on understanding fatigue, energy management, and resilience in people living with spondyloarthritis. This conversation highlights the importance of addressing persistent fatigue—a common and often overlooked symptom in spondyloarthritis that can significantly impact quality of life—and explores innovative approaches to support patients’ energy and resilience. Tune in to gain insight into this emerging study and its potential to inform better strategies for managing fatigue in chronic inflammatory disease.
Listen to the podcast:
RENEW Your Energy: Inside a New Research Study on Fatigue and Resilience in Spondyloarthritis
Patients as Partners in Scleroderma Research
A recent feature in Michigan Medicine Health Lab highlights the innovative, patient-centered approach guiding scleroderma research at the TRACC-R Center. Individuals living with scleroderma are not only participating in studies — they are helping design them.
From shaping energy management interventions to refining study materials and ensuring research reflects real-life challenges, patient partners play a critical role in advancing meaningful, impactful work. Their lived experience strengthens our science and ensures that the programs we develop truly meet the needs of the community.
Read the full story:
For scleroderma research, patients seen as essential co-creators
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Highlights Dr. Susan Murphy's Work in Participatory Research
We're thrilled to share that the ACR recently published a feature article spotlighting Dr. Susan Murphy's work in participatory research — empowering patients to co-design studies that truly reflect their lived experiences.
Read the full story:
Read the full story on ACR’s website
Patient Partner Sheri Hicks Speaks at the ACR Conference
Our amazing patient partner Sheri Hicks took the stage at the ACR’s Patient Perspectives session, sharing her journey in "Breaking Through Scleroderma’s Invisible Struggles: From Isolation to Connection."
Watch Sheri Hick's talk about her journey with scleroderma:
A Podcast Discussing Dr. Yen Chen's Brain Boost Program and Research on Cognitive Dysfunction in Scleroderma
Dr. Yen Chen talks about the definition of “brain fog,” its general causes, and how it affects people living with scleroderma. The discussion also covers activities and lifestyle strategies that can help improve memory, focus, and attention. Lots of great information and practical tips for managing brain fog.
Listen to the podcast:
Mogil's Mobcast: A Scleroderma Chat
A Podcast Discussing Dr. Susan Murphy's Research and Advocacy in the Scleroderma Program
Ann Mogilevsky, a podcast creator and host of Mogil's Mobcast, talks with Dr. Susan Murphy and Mary Alore, our Peer Mentor and RENEW Health Coach. The discussion includes different programs being implemented at the university, such as the Scleroderma Peer Mentor Program, the Scleroderma Backers, and some of the research the university is doing.
Listen to the podcast:
Resources
Using this website, discover helpful tools that can help people with scleroderma navigate the scleroderma journey with confidence. This toolkit website was co-designed with scleroderma patients and rheumatologists.
Learn More: Scleroderma Toolkit Website
The RENEW app (Resilience-based Energy Management to Enhance Well-being app) allows individuals with scleroderma to set goals, track health behaviors, and receive feedback about goal progress to manage the symptoms of their condition.
The RENEW website (Resilience-based Energy Management to Enhance Well-being website ) contains all of the information from the RENEW app and has downloadable resource documents to set goals, and track progress.
Learn More: RENEW Website
The Scleroderma Program at Michigan Medicine, directed by Dinesh Khanna, MD, MSc and John Varga, MD, together with a group of experts, examines the causes and mechanisms of scleroderma in order to develop better, targeted treatment options and to improve the quality of life for people with scleroderma.
Learn More: Michigan Medicine Scleroderma Program
A group of scleroderma patients from Michigan Medicine offering community support for other scleroderma patients all over the world!
Learn More: Facebook Support Group page
A patient-led scleroderma and chronic illness community
The Chronic Crusaders are a passionate, patient-led community dedicated to empowering individuals living with scleroderma and other chronic illnesses—as well as their care partners. Through social gatherings, fundraising events, and informal education, the group fosters connection, awareness, and hope.
Their mission is to create a welcoming space where patients can find strength in shared experiences, gain practical knowledge, and inspire one another to live fully. By championing advocacy and education, the Chronic Crusaders help amplify patient voices and support research that drives meaningful change.
Learn More: Chronic Crusaders
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Ann Arbor, MI 48106-5737
